Secuestro Express

2004 Mystery & Suspense

The current wave of kidnappings in Latin America inspired this tense suspense drama. Martin (Jean Paul Leroux) and Carla (Mía Maestro) are a wealthy young couple who, after a night of club hopping, head back to their car to go home. However, three kidnappers -- Bubu (Pedro Perez), Niga (Carlos Madera), and Trece (Carlos Julio Molina) -- are waiting for them; seeing how free they are with their money, the men figure that Martin and Carla should fetch a decent ransom for their release. The kidnappers demand 20,000 dollars to set Martin and Carla free, and Carla's father (Rubén Blades) struggles to raise the cash, with the criminals insisting upon payment in a mere two hours.

Director: Jonathan Jakubowicz

Starring: Mia Maestro, Ruben Blades, Carlos Julio Molina, Pedro Perez, Carlos Madera

 25 Reviews  2 Awards

Reviews

  • The constant threat of violence and rape is difficult to endure, but the unpredictable Secuestro Express is more than just a dizzying thrill ride laced with small doses of pitch-black comic relief.

    - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

  • Jakubowicz's direction is assured except in the film's final moments, when he makes a clumsy attempt at sociopolitical philosophy that is delivered by an omniscient narrator. It's an indulgence that threatens to undercut the ferocity that precedes it.

    - The Hollywood Reporter

    19 January 2013

  • There's nary a dull moment in the semi-autobiographical Secuestro Express (secuestro means kidnap), as Jakubowicz pleases the eyes with closeups, sped-up scenes, hand-held camerawork and other stylized tricks.

    V.A. Musetto - New York Post

    19 January 2013

  • This is pulp with smarts and a social conscience.

    Ken Fox - TV Guide

    19 January 2013

  • Jakubowicz has aptly said of his film that "the beauty of Secuestro Express is how localized it is. The more local it becomes, the more universal it becomes." The truth of his remark resonates throughout this fast and furious film.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Foreign Independent Film

    British Independent Film Awards (2005)

     

  • Best Foreign Action Trailer

    Golden Trailer Awards (2006)

     

Lists

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